Pressed Like Grapes: A Reflection on The Song of Songs

Our vines have tender grapes,

So take up the little foxes that would seek to spoil them.

The brothers of the Shulamite woman said this.

An odd contribution from them in a love poem.

One could understand their vested interest in someone courting their sister.

But why this request?

Were they insensitive to her love?

After all, they made her keeper of the vineyards.

Perhaps, they were reminding her of a normal duty

Like a checklist before the day of rest.

Or perhaps they were speaking to her in a way she could understand.

“Remember the foxes.

Despite their small stature and tiny fangs,

Enough can destroy the lifeblood of a vineyard.”

Be equally as vigilant as tiny threats in love.

I’d like to think that’s the case,

But I honestly don’t know.